DIMAPUR, JUN 12 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Friday attended the meeting of North Eastern chief ministers with NITI Aayog vice chairman Ashok Lahiri in Delhi and outlined Nagaland’s development priorities, while seeking support for fiscal assistance, connectivity projects, healthcare, education and urban infrastructure.
In a series of posts on X and according to a DIPR report, Rio informed the gathering that a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed between the governments of Nagaland, Assam and Centre to facilitate mineral oil operations in Disputed Area Belt (DAB) along Assam-Nagaland border.
He said the agreement would pave the way for petroleum and natural gas exploration and production activities in the state while creating new economic opportunities and contributing to the country’s energy security. Rio also reiterated the state government’s efforts for early resumption of petroleum and natural gas exploration and production activities across Nagaland while safeguarding constitutional provisions.
He appreciated NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks Programme, Sampoornata Abhiyan and Sampoornata Samman Samaroh for improving development outcomes in remote and underserved regions and recognising frontline workers.
Rio also expressed gratitude for NITI Aayog’s support in facilitating the establishment of the Nagaland Institute of Transformation (NIoT) under the State Support Mission and welcomed consideration of NIoT’s Action Plan for April–September 2026.
Highlighting fiscal concerns, Rio said Nagaland was facing a serious challenge following the discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grants under the 16th Finance Commission and sought annual Special Grants throughout the award period.
On connectivity, he sought support for the 364-km Foothill Road (Trans-Nagaland Highway), describing it as a potential economic corridor linking agricultural hubs, mineral-rich belts, tourism destinations, industrial zones and trade centres.
Pointing out that Kohima remains the only state capital in the country without an airport, Rio sought support for short landing strips in four districts, extension of the Dimapur–Zubza railway line, approval of the Dimapur–Tizit rail project and development of inland waterways.
Citing rapid urbanisation, he said Kohima and the Dimapur-Chümoukedima urban agglomeration accounted for nearly 60% of Nagaland’s urban population and proposed construction of 14 flyovers and elevated corridors to address traffic congestion and infrastructure pressure.
Rio also sought NITI Aayog’s support for early establishment of an IIT at Nagaki City and a Greenfield AIIMS in the state, besides strengthening the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR).
He said the state government had identified around 39 sq km in Chathe Valley, Chümoukedima district, for development of Nagaki City as a modern incubation city aimed at creating economic opportunities and easing pressure on existing urban centres.
On agriculture, Rio highlighted coffee as a flagship crop under the “Taste of Eminence” brand and sought support for expansion of cultivation and development of the agarwood value chain.
In a post on X, Rio thanked NITI Aayog for its guidance and technical assistance, stating that it had strengthened Nagaland’s development planning and accelerated progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Rio said Nagaland remained grateful to NITI Aayog for its continued support and partnership and expressed confidence that the region’s potential could be unlocked as a key driver of India’s growth and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
